How to Relocate the Windows 7 Taskbar

Whether you are looking for a Mac-like experience in Windows or are simply looking to relocate the taskbar to a location on the screen that works best for you, the option is available in Windows.

You can relocate the taskbar in Windows 7 or assign it to one of the four edges of the screen. You can also use the taskbar's auto-hide feature to regain some screen real estate.

Unlock the Taskbar

To move the taskbar, it must first be unlocked.

Right-click a blank area anywhere on the taskbar to open the right-click menu. Select Lock the taskbar to remove the check mark and unlock it.

Relocate the Taskbar to Any Edge on the Screen

When you are ready to move the taskbar, left-click and hold the taskbar with your mouse. While holding down the left mouse button, drag the taskbar to one of the four edges of the screen.

The taskbar automatically snaps to the edge it is being dragged to, and the icons, date, and the Notification area adjust to the new position.

If you want to relocate the taskbar to another edge, repeat the process.

Mac OS X Look

If you are looking for a layout similar to the one in the Mac operating system where the menu bar is located along the top edge of the screen, you can have it.

1. Drag the taskbar to the top edge of the screen.
2. Right-click a blank area anywhere on the taskbar to open the right-click menu.
3. Select Lock the taskbar in the menu to lock the taskbar into position.

Taskbar Bugging You? Hide It

If you find that the taskbar gets in the way of your precious screen real estate, there's a setting that automatically hides the taskbar when you are not using it.

Hiding the Taskbar in Windows 10

1. Right-click the taskbar.

2. Select Taskbar Settings.

3. Turn on the switch under Automatically Hide the Taskbar in Desktop Mode.

When you close the Taskbar Settings window and return to the desktop, the taskbar is hidden.

Hiding the Taskbar in Windows 8 or Windows 7

1. Right-click the Windows taskbar.

2. Select Properties from the menu to open the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window.

3. In the Taskbar tab, select Auto-hide the taskbar in the Taskbar appearance options group.

4. Select OK to save the changes. The window closes automatically.

Now when the taskbar is not in use, it automatically hides to provide you with true full-screen experience in Windows.

To make the taskbar reappear, position the cursor on the edge of the screen where you located the taskbar. When the taskbar reappears it remains unhidden while the cursor is in its vicinity.